NAVAL SCIENCE
Course Overview and Guide
INSTRUCTORS: Lieutenant Commander R. P. Brockway, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Hospital Corpsman First Class B. K. Vasvary, U.S. Navy (Retired)
COURSE OVERVIEW:
WELCOME ABOARD for the 2017-2018 school year! Naval Science (NS) 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be offered at Princeton High School (PHS) in a 10 period schedule format. Each course is a year long course in length and serves as a foundation for the next, so students must satisfactorily complete their current Naval Science course in order to enroll in the follow-on Naval Science courses. According to Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) rules, two Naval Science courses may be taken in the same year only once during your high school experience. Please refer to the 2017-2018 Princeton High School Polaris (Curriculum guide) for further details.
The main focus of the course is to develop and grow the student’s sense of self-discipline, confidence, citizenship and leadership skills. In the Naval Science 1 course, the cadets are taught the skills needed for effective followership as it pertains to leadership. Naval Science 2 and 3 place greater emphasis on the role of leadership and the qualities of effective leaders. Naval Science 4 is a senior seminar where cadets have the opportunity to put their leadership training into action with a number of hands-on projects. In so doing, we are preparing you for real-life roles in direct leadership and management situations. We will follow the military rules with regard to rank structure and courtesy protocols, and all cadets are expected to adhere to the PHS code of conduct.
The subject matter for this course will be taught using the curriculum developed by NSTC and approved by Princeton City School District. You will receive a textbook, a cadet reference manual, and various handouts that have been designed to augment the textbook. In class, a televised power point presentation provided by NJROTC from Turning Technologies utilizing the Turning Point Cloud program is employed, and a number of additional teaching tools are utilized as well.
The fundamental objectives of our Naval Science courses are to develop the social skills necessary for the student to function as an effective member of a group, the thinking skills necessary to make sound, logical decisions, and personal skills required to function as a citizen in our great democratic society. The NJROTC program promotes and develops the leadership and citizenship skills of our cadets and DOES NOT RECRUIT for the military nor is there any obligation to the military.
GRADING:
NS cadets can earn a total of 100 percentage points over the course of each quarter. In addition, extra credit points are available in each category. This will be explained in class. The points are distributed as follows:
Academics: (40% of overall grade)
Tests 25 points
Homework, Quizzes 15 points
Total 40 points
Aptitude: (45% of overall grade)
Uniform Inspections 20 points
Close Order Drill 15 points
Event Participation 10 points
Total 45 points
Physical Fitness: (15% of overall grade)
Participation 15 points
Test Performance ribbons awarded
Total 15 points
MAKE-UP POLICY AND HOMEWORK DEADLINES:
Students will be permitted to make up examinations, quizzes, and worksheets they missed on days where they have an excused absence. Refer to your Princeton High School student agenda for details. Responsibility for making up missed work rests entirely upon the student. Upon returning to school, cadets must meet with their appropriate instructor regarding the scheduling of make-up sessions. When missed assignments are completed, the cadet will promptly turn in all assignments to their appropriate instructor. Homework and other assignments given with specific deadlines are expected to be completed on time. Naval Science students are expected to be responsible enough to meet assigned deadlines. Assignments turned in late may receive partial credit.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Naval Science Cadets will need to purchase one loose leaf folder or notebook and 25 sheets of ruled loose-leaf paper. The cadet will also be required to bring a black ink pen and or a pencil to each class. All other instructional materials, including the textbook will be provided. Label the upper left-hand corner on the front cover of your loose leaf folder or notebook with the following (printed):
Cadet’s Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial.
Instructor’s name
Naval Science 1/2/3/4 ___ Bell
For physical fitness training (PT) periods, cadets will be provided a Navy T-shirt, Navy PT shorts, Navy sweatpants and sweatshirt. Cadets are expected to provide gym shoes, gym shorts, socks and athletic undergarments as a minimum. For those cold weather days when we engage in outdoor activity, additional warm clothing such as gloves, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and windbreaker are required. Failing to show up for class in the appropriate PT attire will result in his or her not being allowed to participate, and “zero” grade for physical fitness training that day. Remember, trousers, jeans, street shoes or boots are not permitted for P.T.!
NOTE: All cadets will be required to present documented proof of a doctor’s pre-sports OHSAA physical examination, NJROTC Standard Release Form, NJROTC Health Risk Questionnaire, NJROTC Participation permission form, Cadet Information Form and Princeton City School District Emergency Medical Authorization form which clears them to participate in physical activity, and NJROTC club activities. These forms are due to their appropriate instructor No Later Than Friday, 01 September 2017.
DRESS AND CONDUCT CODE;
The Princeton City School District guidelines and the Princeton High School rules regarding student dress will be strictly adhered to in the Naval Science classrooms. Wearing inappropriate attire will result in you being referred to your administrator. This policy includes provocative attire, profane or offensive words or language on clothing articles, and the wearing of prohibited items.
Every Wednesday the NJROTC uniform of the day will be worn and it shall be worn properly at all times throughout the day. Cadets found by (Naval Science instructors, senior cadets, or other teachers/staff) wearing the uniform improperly during the day will be directed to correct their appearance, and failure to do so will result in no credit (a zero entered in the grade book) being given for that uniform day unless the cadet has an excused absence. If a cadet fails to wear his/her uniform on Wednesday, he/she CAN NOT make up this missed opportunity. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP UNIFORM INSPECTIONS! Your uniforms are provided by the U.S. Navy and the image you project while in the uniform reflects on yourself, our school and the United States Navy.
Failure to wear the uniform policy: Maintaining a military haircut/grooming standards and the wearing of the NJROTC uniform once a week is a requirement per NJROTC guidelines. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a “zero” for the day on the first occurrence and on further occurrences will receive a quarter grade of an “F”. Specific guidelines are as follows: Any Naval Science (NS) cadet who on the first occasion does not wear the uniform on uniform day (normally Wednesdays) will receive a “zero” for the day and the Naval Science Instructor will call the cadet’s parents/guardians. On the second occurrence of not wearing the uniform on uniform day, the NS cadet will receive an “F” for the quarter; the cadet will call his/her parents/guardians and will remain in the NJROTC program.
Our code of conduct is simple. An NJROTC cadet will live by the school’s rules at all times. A cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal and will follow the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. A cadet should set and be the example of model citizenship. Failure to comply with the NJROTC code of conduct may result in the demotion of rank or complete dismissal from the program as determined by school administrators, and or Naval Science instructors.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND STUDENT DISCIPLINE PLAN:
Weekly Routine:
The Naval Science course is set up around a standard week in which every Monday and Tuesday, academic classes will be conducted. On Wednesdays, the cadets will have a Personnel Uniform Inspection (P.I.). Every Thursday, the cadets will learn and perform close order drill maneuvers. Finally Fridays are devoted to Physical Training (P.T.) and team building activities. This explains, in part, the reason for our grading system, which is weighted 40% academics, 45% aptitude and 15% physical fitness and team building.
You are expected to be prepared for class every day. Again on Mondays and Tuesdays, naval science instruction will take place. On Wednesdays, cadets are expected to wear the appropriate uniform. Those cadets who do not have a complete uniform due to non-availability from the Navy supply system are expected to wear appropriate alternative attire (this includes a dress shirt, tie and dress shoes for male cadets, and a skirt and blouse or dress with dress shoes for the female cadets). Those cadets in uniform will receive a personnel inspection grade each Wednesday based upon their personal appearance and grooming according to the standards established for the NJROTC program in the Cadet Reference Manual.
Each Thursday, the cadets will engage in close order drill (marching practice). Cadets are expected to participate in drill. Failure to participate in drill will result in the cadet receiving a “zero” grade for that drill day! The purpose of drill is to:
a. Move units from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner
b. Provide simple formations from which may be readily assumed
c. Teach discipline by instilling habits of precision and automatic response to orders
d. Increase the confidence of cadets through the exercise of command, by the giving of proper commands, and by the control of drilling troops.
e. To add color and dignity to the daily routine by reinforcing the traditions of excellence associated with close order drill.
Each Friday, the cadets will engage in physical fitness/team building activities. These activities are designed to develop the cadets physically in preparation for the NJROTC’s Physical Fitness Test (PFT), and to foster teamwork among the cadets. Students are expected to participate to the best of their ability in the appropriate physical training attire. Students with medical conditions will be excused from these activities provided they bring a note from their parent, guardian or family physician explaining the nature of their condition and the time period over which they are to be excused. Failure to provide a note will result in the cadet receiving a zero for that PT day!
Student Discipline Plan:
Over the years, Naval Science cadets have been some of the most respectful students at Princeton High School. Since our arrival to Princeton, many teachers and administrators have commented on the way NJROTC cadets have stood out in their classes both academically and behaviorally. We are proud of this reputation and intend to maintain it. Cadets are expected to adhere to the school rules on classroom conduct and the Navy’s Core Values of “Honor, Courage, and Commitment” at all times. Furthermore when in the Naval Science classroom, all cadets will come to attention whenever an adult enters or leaves the room thus showing respect for that adult. Any cadet can make the call “ATTENTION ON DECK” to recognize the presence of an adult in the classroom. The following guidelines are listed to emphasize PHS classroom discipline procedures according to the PHS Discipline Hierarchy:
1. If you are disruptive in class (1st), you will be verbally corrected on the spot in the classroom.
2. If the disruption happens again (2nd), you will be verbally corrected with follow on one-to-one counseling, a possible “time-out” issued, the incident will be specifically recorded, and parental contact will be made.
3. If the disruption happens again (3rd), you will be verbally corrected with follow on one-to-one counseling, a possible “time-out” issued, the incident will be specifically recorded, parental contact made, and a teacher detention will be assigned.
4. If the disruption occurs again (4th), the incident will be specifically recorded; a referral will be created and forwarded to administration with steps 1 through 3 documented and attached to the referral.
***Any cadet who has demonstrated poor behavior can be reduced in rank by either Naval Science Instructor (NSI). Reduction in cadet rank is permanent and immediate. The cadet who is reduced in rank will begin again their personal time-rate time period for the next rank prior to being able to take the next advancement exam. Staff positions are appointed and cadets may be removed from staff at any given time for discipline problems and or non-performance of their staff duties. Enlisted ranks are earned per the Princeton NJROTC Handbook and thus are susceptible to the reduction in rank process.***
Again, Princeton NJROTC cadets are some of the best-behaved, most motivated students in the school. We have no doubt you will continue this outstanding behavior pattern and tradition.
INSTRUCTORS REMARKS TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS:
The expectations for cadets enrolled in our Naval Science program are higher than those held in many other programs. As stated earlier, we focus on direct development of personal skills and traits in our Naval Science Cadets. This is very likely the only program in our high schools today which gives students the opportunity to learn how to work as a group member on assigned tasks, to take the responsibility for his or her own actions and for others’ performance, and to make on-the-spot decisions on their own. These leadership and personal thinking skills are in high demand in the working world today. Our cadets will receive ample opportunity to exercise these talents in our structured and supervised environment. Their performance as young team members and their degree of self-discipline are integral parts of their Naval Science academic grade.
We offer our cadets a number of extracurricular participation opportunities for your son or daughter, including parades, community service projects, precision drill team events, color guard performances, orienteering, physical fitness, marksmanship, and academic team. We encourage our cadets to involve themselves as much as they can, and we hope that as a parent, you will take an active role. There will be a number of opportunities for you to join your son or daughter in NJROTC activities throughout the year.